For months I've been seeing "I believe" commercials here in Canada. I may have mentioned them before but in brief, they feature Canadians saying, "I believe." Meaning, they believe that this will finally be the Olympics when Canada wins a gold on their home soil. They didn't do it in Calgary and they didn't do it in Montreal. But they did it in Vancouver. Yesterday, Quebec native Alexandre Bilodeau won gold in the men's freestyle moguls on Cypress Mountain (Bryon Wilson, an American, won bronze). The medal ceremony was tonight in Vancouver and I just watched it. Naturally, all of Canada was going crazy. And I am happy they can finally win at something. They only thin that marred all of this was CTV's terrible commentators. It makes me cringe to listen to them. Amateurs. As much as I get sick of NBC and Bob Costas, at least they know what they're doing. But CTV tries hard, I suppose.
I've been working hard to make my few days here at the 2010 Olympics full of fun. They've mostly been full of waiting in lines but I do have lots of pictures and stories to tell. I won't get into them all now because that's just too daunting for me at this point. But I will post pictures and stories later. They involve Irish, Russian, many Canadian provinces, and Da Vinci. Intrigued? Yes, I know. Wait for it.
15 February 2010
14 February 2010
Opening Ceremonies
Did you watch them? I never managed to watch the whole thing but this seemed like the year to do it. After class all morning and then a Latin mid-term, I managed to get downtown by about 4:30. Then a bunch of us went out to walk around a bit and check out the atmosphere. A lot of people were out; nearly everyone seemed to have the red Canada mittens (I lust after these but the stores seem to be sold out) or some kind of Canada gear. Or at the very least, they were wearing red. The always patriotic look of tying a flag around your neck like a cape was popular.
Naturally, it started raining and so we stopped in at a cafe to stay dry and grab some beers. We were near Robson Square and the countdown clock so about 5 minutes before 6, when the ceremonies started, we went to watch the clock. There was a New Year's atmosphere; a crowd gathered round the clock and counted down. My friends started singing "Oh Canada" after it hit zero and I tried to make up the words as I went along. It got a little awkward for me when a TV camera started filming us. I mean, it's not my national anthem and I clearly didn't know the words. But we were on CTV news later in the evening. I haven't seen it but I'm sure it's a gem of a clip.
Then we all went back to a friend's apartment to watch the ceremonies. It was a lot of fun being with a group of Canadians because they could answer most of my cultural questions throughout the ceremony. I learned some Canadian history and things like the east coast of Canada has a fiddling tradition. Who knew? Also, Canadians call a knit cap a 'tuque', rhymes with duke. Weird, right? And so many famous people are Canadian! I thought k.d. lang's and Sarah Mclachlan's performances were the best. And here comes the sentimentality again, but I felt a kind of pride as I watched the ceremonies. I'm not from Vancouver or even Canada but I was proud of all it. And happy. So there was a slight mishap with the torch lighting but that's ok. And naturally Gretzky got to light the external torch. He is Canada.
After the ceremonies ended, we headed out on to the streets to yell and cheer. In Robson Square they had some fireworks and laser light shows and giant fireballs which was unexpected but cool. Betsy, my fellow American, had a small flag to wave around and some people scoffed at us. But the vast majority of people were just happy to have so many people celebrating together. And we just reminded the more negative folks that the U.S. and Canada are friendly neighbors. That seemed to make everything ok. We walked all the way down to the waterfront to see the lit torch but you can't get close to it at all and there's a great deal of chain-link fencing keeping people back. But I've seen it in real life now! Finally, we ended up at Steamworks where we finished our night with beers and dancing with Olympic volunteers. A very successful night.
I have a lot more I could say about what I've done today but that'll have to wait until tomorrow!
Reminder: You can see pictures at gilliangrady.com.
Naturally, it started raining and so we stopped in at a cafe to stay dry and grab some beers. We were near Robson Square and the countdown clock so about 5 minutes before 6, when the ceremonies started, we went to watch the clock. There was a New Year's atmosphere; a crowd gathered round the clock and counted down. My friends started singing "Oh Canada" after it hit zero and I tried to make up the words as I went along. It got a little awkward for me when a TV camera started filming us. I mean, it's not my national anthem and I clearly didn't know the words. But we were on CTV news later in the evening. I haven't seen it but I'm sure it's a gem of a clip.
Then we all went back to a friend's apartment to watch the ceremonies. It was a lot of fun being with a group of Canadians because they could answer most of my cultural questions throughout the ceremony. I learned some Canadian history and things like the east coast of Canada has a fiddling tradition. Who knew? Also, Canadians call a knit cap a 'tuque', rhymes with duke. Weird, right? And so many famous people are Canadian! I thought k.d. lang's and Sarah Mclachlan's performances were the best. And here comes the sentimentality again, but I felt a kind of pride as I watched the ceremonies. I'm not from Vancouver or even Canada but I was proud of all it. And happy. So there was a slight mishap with the torch lighting but that's ok. And naturally Gretzky got to light the external torch. He is Canada.
After the ceremonies ended, we headed out on to the streets to yell and cheer. In Robson Square they had some fireworks and laser light shows and giant fireballs which was unexpected but cool. Betsy, my fellow American, had a small flag to wave around and some people scoffed at us. But the vast majority of people were just happy to have so many people celebrating together. And we just reminded the more negative folks that the U.S. and Canada are friendly neighbors. That seemed to make everything ok. We walked all the way down to the waterfront to see the lit torch but you can't get close to it at all and there's a great deal of chain-link fencing keeping people back. But I've seen it in real life now! Finally, we ended up at Steamworks where we finished our night with beers and dancing with Olympic volunteers. A very successful night.
I have a lot more I could say about what I've done today but that'll have to wait until tomorrow!
Reminder: You can see pictures at gilliangrady.com.
11 February 2010
Torch Relay
I have seen the Olympic flame! I was watching a live-feed of the relay on my computer, timing my exit onto the street. When it was some ten blocks away, I walked on out to 4th to find the street lined already. Perhaps 2-3 people deep, it wasn't hard to get close. Everyone had their Canada mittens on, flags waving, cameras flashing. And very politely allowing the children and older folks into the front row so they could see. As with any parade, there is a lot of waiting around and then 3-4 minutes of action as the actual things pass, and that's it. And though I'm not generally a fan of parades, I couldn't help but smile a lot.
The requisite sponsor trucks (Coca-cola and Royal Bank of Canada) went by, lots of bike cops (I mean lots, I think this is the Vancouver Police Dept.'s favorite mode of transportation because it's eco-friendly), and then Vancouver 2010 vehicles appeared. There were a couple of mini-buses for the torch bearers, a camera truck, and finally, the torch-bearer himself arrived. I don't know who he was but I'm sure he's a great guy and probably in some way famous. Apparently, Sarah McLachlan ran it just before this guy. I didn't know she was Canadian. Anyway, my torch-bearerjogged by with his Olympic entourage while people clapped and cheered and someone waved an enormous Canadian flag. And call me sentimental, but I smiled even bigger and followed the torch for about 6 blocks.
Was it the Olympic spirit that spurred me on? Why, yes, I think it was. Everyone was so happy and enthusiastic to see this event and it was accessible to everyone. I even thought how great it would be to run the whole way downtown along with the torch and I hate running. Fortunately, the pace is slow enough that I'm fairly certain I could manage for most of the time. I had been concerned about the entourage that runs along with the torch but now I realize that they're just fine. Anyway, the torch just reached Yaletown where the Vancouver cauldron was lit; I can hear fireworks now but I didn't wait around outside to see them. I have an exam tomorrow and I'm sure there will be more tomorrow. I'll be downtown for the Opening Ceremonies; a bunch of us are watching them at a friend's house and then hitting the streets to cheer enthusiastically with other folks.
For pictures visit:
The requisite sponsor trucks (Coca-cola and Royal Bank of Canada) went by, lots of bike cops (I mean lots, I think this is the Vancouver Police Dept.'s favorite mode of transportation because it's eco-friendly), and then Vancouver 2010 vehicles appeared. There were a couple of mini-buses for the torch bearers, a camera truck, and finally, the torch-bearer himself arrived. I don't know who he was but I'm sure he's a great guy and probably in some way famous. Apparently, Sarah McLachlan ran it just before this guy. I didn't know she was Canadian. Anyway, my torch-bearerjogged by with his Olympic entourage while people clapped and cheered and someone waved an enormous Canadian flag. And call me sentimental, but I smiled even bigger and followed the torch for about 6 blocks.
Was it the Olympic spirit that spurred me on? Why, yes, I think it was. Everyone was so happy and enthusiastic to see this event and it was accessible to everyone. I even thought how great it would be to run the whole way downtown along with the torch and I hate running. Fortunately, the pace is slow enough that I'm fairly certain I could manage for most of the time. I had been concerned about the entourage that runs along with the torch but now I realize that they're just fine. Anyway, the torch just reached Yaletown where the Vancouver cauldron was lit; I can hear fireworks now but I didn't wait around outside to see them. I have an exam tomorrow and I'm sure there will be more tomorrow. I'll be downtown for the Opening Ceremonies; a bunch of us are watching them at a friend's house and then hitting the streets to cheer enthusiastically with other folks.
For pictures visit:
Vancouver 2010
The other day I went downtown to check out the Olympic Countdown Clock (by Swiss company Omega). So I took a picture, along with everyone else. I think some sort of press conference was going to be happening later that day because there was a podium and lots of tv cameras. But I didn't stick around for it because I had school things to attend to. But it was a beautiful day so I was glad I went down there. The city is much busier, more crowded. I haven't spotted any athletes yet (or maybe I have and just didn't know)but I saw some trainers/coaches wearing their country jackets. Opening ceremonies are tomorrow! And the torch relay is passing by my house today so I will be sure to take lots of pictures. Despite the fact that it is raining and projected to continue for a long time. That's what you get when you're in a moderate oceanic climate region. Come on, Olympics, you should have known that snow could have been a real issue. They're desperate for snow and are trucking it in and doing all sorts of things to make up for the warmer weather. Oh well, they'll muddle through. CHeck back later for a Torch Relay update!
08 February 2010
Vectorial Elevation
A few nights ago, Vancouver debuted one of the many art pieces in the 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Called Vectorial Elevation, it's an interactive light show over the downtown area. There are 20 huge spotlights positioned around English Bay that can be directed by anyone around the world via the website. So the lights are going every night and basically any time you look up, they're moving according to someone's design.
I had seen them a bit when I was walking to various places over the last couple nights but I decided to walk down to English Bay and see the lights in a proper fashion. Going down to Kits Beach wasn't the best viewing place so I walked east along the water until I was in Vanier Park. I haven't been down in this area much but it was perfect for looking over the water onto downtown. I could see exactly where all the lights are positioned so the beams' movements were all clear. I think this is probably the best place in Vancouver to see the show.
I don't have the requisite skills to take pictures of spotlights at night so I can't show you my vantage point. But trust me, it looks good.
I had seen them a bit when I was walking to various places over the last couple nights but I decided to walk down to English Bay and see the lights in a proper fashion. Going down to Kits Beach wasn't the best viewing place so I walked east along the water until I was in Vanier Park. I haven't been down in this area much but it was perfect for looking over the water onto downtown. I could see exactly where all the lights are positioned so the beams' movements were all clear. I think this is probably the best place in Vancouver to see the show.
I don't have the requisite skills to take pictures of spotlights at night so I can't show you my vantage point. But trust me, it looks good.
07 February 2010
Duthie Books
Just up the street from me is an independent bookstore called Duthie Books. Or there was. After 50+ years in Vancouver, they're closing down. I had been in there a couple of times just to browse around and it was a nice place. But they can't compete with chain stores and the likes of Amazon so they're getting out now before they run into financial trouble. It's sad to see that happen but I guess I haven't really done my part to support independent bookstores. I have no idea what is going to go into that storefront; I hope another independent business. They add a lot to the neighborhood feel.
Anyway, the thing I'll miss most about Duthie Books is their window display. They have two long windows on the street, with three tiers. Every week, or so it seemed, they'd swap out these long rows of books. And the books were always color coordinated. And thematically coordinated. It was so neat to see books and books, lined up with their covers showing, and they'd all be shades of red. And the next week, shades of blue or green or even gray. I always liked walking by on my way to the but because it looked good and they displayed good books. I mean, how can I not feel better about my day when it's 7:30AM, dark and raining, and as I trudge to my bus I see Ferdinand the Bull sitting on a shelf? Or rows and rows of bright yellow books? That was my main experience with Duthie Books. But I'll miss it.
Anyway, the thing I'll miss most about Duthie Books is their window display. They have two long windows on the street, with three tiers. Every week, or so it seemed, they'd swap out these long rows of books. And the books were always color coordinated. And thematically coordinated. It was so neat to see books and books, lined up with their covers showing, and they'd all be shades of red. And the next week, shades of blue or green or even gray. I always liked walking by on my way to the but because it looked good and they displayed good books. I mean, how can I not feel better about my day when it's 7:30AM, dark and raining, and as I trudge to my bus I see Ferdinand the Bull sitting on a shelf? Or rows and rows of bright yellow books? That was my main experience with Duthie Books. But I'll miss it.
02 February 2010
Sunday BakeDay
I've found that nearly every weekend I bake something. Mostly it's on Sundays when I'm avoiding Latin translations or the like. And usually it's biscuits because they're so easy to make and that means I can have a delicious breakfast. Last semester I baked more cookies but then i realized I shouldn't be eating so many cookies myself. And you can be sure that I would eat most of them before I even had a chance to give them to other people. So biscuits it is. Just a small batch. It's fairly awesome. This weekend I almost made scones but I didn't have any cream and I was not going to change out of my pajamas to get any.
Next week there is a bake sale for the graduate student conference though which means cookies! Or something better like cupcakes! What do you think? Valentine's Day theme? Olympic theme? Both? Oh the possibilities.
Next week there is a bake sale for the graduate student conference though which means cookies! Or something better like cupcakes! What do you think? Valentine's Day theme? Olympic theme? Both? Oh the possibilities.
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